Improvements in end extension tables



May 1, 1956 G. H. NORQUIST 2,743,977

IMPROVEMENTS IN END EXTENSION TABLES Filed Sept. 10, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. GLENN H. NoRou/sT BY A TTOR/VEY.

y 1, 1956 G. H. NORQUIST 2,743,977

IMPROVEMENTS IN END EXTENSION TABLES Filed Sept. 10, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 w w w n m N Maw/H j N /V4//M -f 1 1// 1 M Q ATTORNEY y 1956 e. H. NORQUIST IMPROVEMENTS IN END EXTENSION TABLES 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 10, 1954 m nm u uu uh nu.

INVENTOR. 6NN H. NO/FQU/ST ATTORNEY y 1956 G. H. NORQUIST 2,743,977

IMPROVEMENTS IN END EXTENSION TABLES Filed Sept. 10, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR. 64 am H NORQU/ST A TTORNLY END EXTENSION TABLES Glenn H. Norquist, Iam'estown, N. Y. ApplicationSeptember. 10, 1954,v ScrialNo. 455,259 7 Claims. (Ch 311-55} This invention relates toimprovements: in end. extension: tables of the type which. incorporate end. wing sections which: may be manipulated to prov-ide leaf extensions for the main. tabletop section and! which may be retracted into stored position beneath the main table top section as desired.

Improved refectory tables: constructed in accordance with this invention comprise an apron frame to which. the: table supporting legs are aflixed and which is designed to support. a. vertically floating main table top section; These improved tables. incorporate a sturdy center rail rigidly fixed to the apron frame and improved. guiding devices which. connect. the main table top section. to the center rail in; a:- manner which. facilitates vertical floating movement. of the main table top section and. which further. operates to maintain the main: table top section: in true parallel relationv to the. apron. frame at: all times during: raising and lowering movement thereof,

This improved table may be equipped with. either one or two end-i wing. sections designed to provide a leaf extension. for either one. end or'b'oth. endsof the main table top section. Each end wing, section is supported upon a pair of cantilever rails designed to slide in conforming notches formed in the upper edge of the end apron member of the apron frame. Each. pair of cantilever rails are also designed to slide through guide channels provided by sturdy rail guide bracketsv fixedly secured and suspended from. the center rail of the apron frame and are: so formed and constructed as to insure sliding movement of the cantilever rails. therethrough substantially without frictional resistance. Each pair of cantilever rails present track. surfaceswhichare so shaped and formed as to permit outward withdrawal of the end wing. section from. its retracted position beneath the main table top section and to rigidly maintain the end: wing section in true parallel relation to the apron frame when in fully extended position;

As a further feature of this invention, the inner end edge of the end wing. section is equipped with a series of spaced metal aligning plates which. provide support for the adjacent. end edge of the main table top section,

thereby insuring that the finished table top: surface of the extended end wing section will. be maintained in true coplanar relation to the finished top surface of. the main table top section. The. adjacent end edges of the extended end wing section and main. table top section are additionally provided: with interfitting lip and shoulder portions to thereby insure a tight. and fine line matching of the interfitted end edges. thereof.-

a further improved feature, the overhanging lip portion at. the inner end edge of the end wing section. and the: spaced aligning plates therebelow are so formed as to frictionally grip the center rail when. the end wing section is in fully retractedposition to thereby rigidly support the. end win-g section. when in retracted position.

The outer end of each cantilever rail additionally presents a head portion designed to snugly [it within the rail notch formed in the upper edge of the end" apron United States Patent member of the apron; frame when the end wing section is in retracted position. A vertical abutment shoulder adjacent the head. portion is also provided which is designed to drop into adjacent abutting relation to the inside face of the end apron member when the end wing section. is in fully retracted position; and which serves to positively prevent inadvertent outward sliding movement of the end wing section from its retracted position when. the table is tilted. 1

This improved refectory table additionally incorporates stop pins extending from the cantilever railsand' sturdy metal stop brackets fixed to the insidcface of the end apron members of the apron frame which. cooperate to delimit extension movement of the end wing sections, and which additionally provide rigid bracing support for the cantilever rails so that the extended end wing sections are rigidly maintained in true parallel relation to the apron frame. The stop pins are also so mounted and designed as to enter and seat Within closed end slots formed in the rail guide brackets to further prevent undesired movement of the end Wing sections from their retracted position beneath the main table top section.

As a further improved feature, the under face of the main table top section has a plurality of longitudinally extending cushioning strips, formed of soft felt or the like, which are securely bondedthereto, and against which the upper surfaces of the end wing sections are designed to slide when the end wing. sections are. withdrawn from retracted position, or pushed from extended to retracted position beneath the main table top section. Marring or defacement of the finished top surfaces of the end wing sections during manipulation thereof is thus posi tively prevented. When the end Wing sections are in retracted. position, the main table top section is supported thereon through the agency of the. cushioning strips, and the retracted end wing sections. are rigidly held snugly adjacent the top edge of the apron frame through the agency of the cantilever rails associated therewith.

Refectory tables constructed inaccordance with this invention arestrong and sturdy in construction and lasting in use, and are formed from relatively few parts particularly designed for mass production assembly to provide exceptionally high quality refectory tables at modest cost. These improved refectory tables may be constructed in various attractive shapes and patterns, and the main table top section and end wing sections thereof are particularly adapted to be constructed from various suitable materials such as wood, plastics or metal which may be finished, covered or decorated with a wide variety of finishing materials. I Other objects andadvantages of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

While certain novel features of this invention have been disclosed herein and are pointed out in the claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention.

Fig. l is a perspective view of a refectory table made in accordance with this invention as it would appear when. the end wing sections of the table top are in extended position;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the refectory table as it would appear when the end wing sections of the table top have been contracted and inserted beneath the main table top section;

Fig. 3 is. a. fragmentary vertical section, taken longitudinally through the apron. frame, main table top section and one of the end wing sections, as the same would appear when viewed along line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken longitudinally through the apron frame, main table top section and contracted 3 end wing sections, as the same would appear when viewed along line 44 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a vertical section taken transversely through the apron frame, center rail and main table top section, as the same would appear when viewed along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the refectory table as the same would appear when the end wing sections of the table top are in extended position, certain parts of the main table top section, apron frame and cantilever rails being broken away to reveal further details of the table construction;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the apron frame and center rail fixed thereto;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one of the table top end wing sections and the paired cantilever rails attached thereto as the same would appear when viewed from the underside thereof;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of one of the two saddle brackets employed to connect the floating main section of the table top to the center rail of the apron frame; and

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of one of the two twin channelled rail guiding brackets which are secured to the center rail of the apron frame and provide the means for slidably guiding the cantilever rails which support the wing sections of the table top.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and the specification.

Refectory tables constructed in accordance with this invention generally comprise an apron frame 1 which is preferably substantially rectangular in outline. The apron frame 1 is supported at the desired elevation by four supporting legs 6 which may be rigidly secured to the apron frame, or hinged thereto to permit folding collapse of the legs within the apron frame. A main table top section 10 having an area designed to cover the apron frame and overhang the same along the sides and ends thereof is adjustably mounted on a center rail 4 fixed to the apron frame as by means of a pair of saddle brackets constructed to permit vertical floating movement of the main table top section 10 with respect to the apron frame 1.

This refectory table may be equipped with either one or a pair of table top leaf extensions or wing sections 15 which are retractable under the main table top section 10 as shown in Fig. 2, but which also may be drawn outwardly into edge matching arrangement with the main table top section 10 as shown in Fig. l to thereby approximately double the area of the table top surface. Each of the table top wing sections 15 are supported on a pair of cantilever rails presenting track surfaces snugly slidable within a pair of notches 3 formed in the adjacent end apron members 3 of the apron frame 1. The inner ends of the cantilever rails 25 are guided in their sliding movement by a pair of rail guiding brackets which are secured to the underface of the center rail 4 of the apron frame 1.

A series of spaced aligning plates are secured to each table top wing section 15 adjacent the inner end edge thereof. The aligning plates 45 operate to insure accurate planular alignment of the wing section 15 with respect to the main table top section 10 so that a smooth table surface is provided when the wing section 15 is in extended position. The aligning plates 45 are also designed to abut the under surface of the center rail 4 of the apron frame 1 when the wing sections 15 are in fully retracted position to thereby maintain the retracted wing sections 15 in rigid position beneath the main table top section 10.

The main table top section 10 rests upon the wing sections 15 when the wing sections are in retracted position as shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5. To protect the finished upper face of the table top wing sections 15 from being marred when they are moved beneath'th e main table top section 10, a series of four spaced felt cushioning strips 48 are adhesively bonded to the underface of the main table top section 10 and are positioned to seat against the finished top surface of the retracted end wing sections 15 and thus provide support for the floating main table top section 10. During initial withdrawal of the end wing sections 15 from retracted position to extended position, the finished top surfaces of the end wing sections 15 slide against the felt cushioning strips 48 until the end wing sections have been fully withdrawn from beneath the main table top section, whereupon the main section 10 of the table top will drop down of its own weight into supported position upon the knee surfaces 26" of the cantilever rails as shown in Fig. 3. When an incremental return push is then applied to the extended end wing section 15, the inner edge thereof is brought into snug interfitting relation with the adjacent outer edge of the main table top section 10. Means such as stop pins 35 fixed to the cantilever rails 25 are provided to delimit the extension movement of the table top wing section.

To retract each end wing section 15 to a position beneath the main table top section 10, the end wing section 15 is first drawn outwardly an incremental distance sufficient to disengage the inner end edge of the main table top section 10. The main table top section 10 may then be manually lifted by grasping the opposite sides thereof so as to thereby raise the same above the plane of the end wing section 15 and to the extent permitted by the saddle brackets 20. The end wing section 15 can then be pushed by the midsection of the body under the lifted main table top section 10 until the felt cushioning strips 48 secured to the undersurface thereof rest upon the top surface of the wing section 15 undergoing retraction movement. When in fully retracted position, the aligning plates 45 associated with the wing section 15 will frictionally grip the undersurface of the center rail 4 of the apron frame 1 to thereby retain the wing section in rigid position as shown in Fig. 4. When in fully retracted position, the side edges and outer end edge of the wing section 15 will be substantially in vertical alignment with the adjacent side edges and end edge of the main table top section 10 as shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5. I

The apron frame 1 may be constructed of any suitable material such as hardwood, or plywood veneer, or fibrous and plastic compositions, or various metals, as desired. The apron frame, as shown in Fig. 7 preferably comprises a pair of side apron members 2 and end apron members 3 which are joined at the corners to provide strong and finished joints. The apron frame 1 may be of any desired height, but is preferably of sufficient height to effect con cealrnent of the cantilever rails 25 and the various mechanisms associated therewith. The end apron members 3 are each provided with a pair of guide notches 3' in the upper edges thereof within which the paired cantilever rails 25 are slidably supported.

The center rail 4 which may be formed of metal or hardwood extends transversely across the apron frame and is secured at each end thereof to the adjacent upper edge of the side frame members 2 as by screws or bolts 4. Where a pair of table top wing sections 15 are to be provided, the center rail 4 is secured to the approximate midsection of the side apron members 2 and a pair of guide notches 3' would accordingly be provided in each apron member 3. The outer ends 4" of the center rail 4 preferably overhang the outer faces ofthe adjacent side apron members 2 for a' distance substantially equal to the side edge overhang of the main table top section 10 as shown in Fig. 5. A pair of side notches 5 are formed in each end of the center rail 4 adjacent the inside face of the'tadjacent side apron member 2 so as to'define thcrcbetween a reducedneck portion 5.

' This refectory table is preferably supported on four legs 6 which may be formed of'wood, plasticor metal, and which are suitably secured to-the inside corners of the apron, framel. "If desired; the legs 6' may 'befoldably connected tofthe apron frame to permit i nwatd folding of the legs within the apron frame to thereby permit c ompact amass:

storage of the refectory table. Where hinged legs are to be provided, the upper end of each leg may be pivotally mounted as by means of a hinge pin 8 to a hinge bracket 7 secured as by screws 7' to the adjacent inside faces of the side and end apron members of the apron frame 1 as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6. A retractable lock pin 9 may be provided to lock the associated leg in erect position; Where folding legs are to be provided, the hinge mounting for the folding legs may be advantageously constructed in accordance with the leg mounting disclosed in my Patent No. 2,660,498 issued November 24, 1953.

p The main table top section 10 may be constructed from various materials such as hardwood, plastics or metal and maybe surface coated or finished in any desired manner with any desired material. The main table top section 10 as shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of illustration only, but not intended to be so limited, may comprise an edging frame 11 formed of suitable hardwood and presenting a pair of side frame members 12 and a pair of end frame members 13 secured together at the corners thereof to provide strong and finished corner joints, The edging frame 11 encloses and supports a center panel 14 which may have a veneer finish, or may be covered with real or imitation leather, cloth or plastic sheeting, suitably secured to the edging frame 11 so as to provide a smooth and finished top surface 10 for the main table top section. The main table top section has an area somewhat greater than the apron frame 1 so that the outer finished edges thereof overhang the finished outer face of the apron frame 1 as shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5. The side and end edges of the main table top section may be given any desired attractive contour, but at least the end edges thereof should be contoured to provide a recessed shoulder 13'a at the upper edge thereof. The provision of recessed shoulders 13a at the end edges of the main table top section 10 provide a means for effecting a snug interlock with adjacent end edge of the extended end wing section 15 as shown in Fig. 3. V

Each of the end wing sections 15 of the table top may also be formed of solid hardwood, or wood veneer, or various plastic compositions or various metals as desired, and the wing sections 15 may be made either in color or material harmony, or in color or material contrast, with the material and color of the main table top section 10. For the purpose of illustration only, each of the wing sections 15 shown in the accompanying drawings is composed of a hardwood edging frame 16 comprising a pair of side frame members 17, an inner end frame member 18 and an outer end frame member 18, which are strongly joined together at the corners to provide finished corner joints. A center panel 19, as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 8, is snugly fitted within the edging frame 16, and the top surface 15' of each wing section may be suitably lacquered, orcovered with real or imitation leather, textiles or plastics, of any desired color, to provide a finished top surface.

Each of the end wing sections 15 preferably has a width equal to the width of the main table top section 10, and where two end wing sections 15 are used, the combined length of the two end wing sections plus the width of the center rail 4 of the apron frame 1, is approximately equal to the length of the main table top section 10. The outer edges 17a of the side frame members 17 and the outer edge 18a of the outer end frame member 18 may be contoured in conformity to the end edges 13a of the main table top section 10 as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4. However, the outer edge of the inner end frame member 18 of each wing section is contoured to provide an overhanging lip portion 18b shaped to snugly interfit with the adjacent recessed shoulder portion 13a of the main table top section'as shown in Fig. 3 so as to thereby insure a tight interfit and a smooth coplanar top surface between the main table top section 10 and extended end section 15.

.The floating main section 10 of the table top is adjustably connected for vertical movement to the center rail 4; ofthe apron frame 1 by means of a pair of inverted saddle brackets 20 constructed as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 9. Each saddle bracket '20 is shaped from a relatively heavy metal strip into generally U-shaped form as shown in Fig. 9 and thus presents a web portion 21, a pair of spaced leg portions 22, and a .pair or inturne'd foot portions 22'. The leg portions 22 of each saddle bracket are designed to vertically slide within "the paired notches 5 formed in the center rail 4, and the foot portions 22' thereof are designed to seat against the under'face of the main table top section 10, suchas the underface of the adjacent side frame member 12 thereof. A pair of smooth bored holes 5" extend through the reduced neck portion 5' at each end of the center rail 4. A pair of elongated shank bolts or screws 23, as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6, extend through paired conforming holes 21' in the web portion2'1 of each saddle bracket 20, slidably project through the bored holes 5 in the' reduced neck portion 5 of the center rail, thence project through a pair of conforming holes 22" in the foot portions 22' of the saddle bracket 20, and the threaded end portions 23 thereof are strongly threaded upwardly into the main table top section 10, as into the adjacent side frame member 12 thereof.

When the two saddle brackets 20 have thus been strapped around the reduced neck portions 5' of the center rail 4 and secured to the underface of the main table top section 10, it will be appreciated that the main table top section 10 may be lifted vertically for a distance slightly greater than the overall thickness of the wing sections 15 of the table top, or until the web portion 21 of each saddle bracket abuts the lower face of the center rail 4 with respect to which the saddle brackets are vertically movable. The main table top section 10 is prevented from weaving or twisting as it is vertically elevated or lowered by reason of the two pairs of shanks bolts or screws 23 which snugly telescope through the bored holes 5" formed in the center rail 4 at both ends thereof.

As thus constructed, the saddle bracket assembly, comprising the two saddle brackets 20 and the paired shank screws 23 associated with each of the saddle brackets, permit manual lifting of the main table top section 10 into a plane above the top surface of the extended wing sections 15 as shown in Fig. 3 to thereby permit insertion movement of the inner frame member 18 of the end wing section 15 beneath the adjacent end frame member 13 of the raised main section 10 of the tabletop.

Each of the end wing sections 15 of the table top are supported on a pair of cantilever rails 25 shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 8. Each cantilever rail 25 presents a head rail section 26 and a tail rail section 27. Each head rail section 26 is provided with a reduced head portion 28 whose cross sectional area substantially conforms to the cross sectionalarea of the rail guide notch 3 formed in the upper edge, of the end frame member 3 of the apron frame which is to receive the same when the end wing section is in fully retracted position. The reduced head portion 28 is secured to the outer end frame member ls of the wing section by a securing screw 29. A vertical abutment shoulder 28' is positioned adjacent the reduced head portion 28 which is designed to drop into abutment against the adjacent inside face of the adjacent end apren frame member 3 when the end wing section 15 is in fully retracted position as shown in Fig. 4.

Each end wing section 15 rests upon the horizontal top edge 26' of the head rail section 26 of the paired cantilever rails and the inner end frame member 18 of the end wing section is secured to the paired cantilever rails 25 as by securing screws 25?. The center portion 3i) of each cantilever rail 25 has a depth or thickness which is somewhat more than twice the depth or thickness of the reduced head portion 28 thereof and each cantilever rail 25 is shaped to present a lower horizontal track surface 31 and a lower tapered track surface 32 designed to slide on the bottom face of the guide notch 3' in which the cantileverrail is su ported. The tail section 27 of each cantilever rail presents a downwardly tapering top guide surface 33 which terminates in a raised heel surface 34 associated with the foot end 34 of the cantilever rail.

When the end wing section 15 is in extended position as shown in Fig. 3, the adjacent end frame member 13 of the main table top section 10 is designed to seat on the knee end 26" of the horizontal top edge surface 26 of each head rail section 26. After the end wing section 15 has been further extended an incremental distance and the main table top section 10 manually lifted above the plane thereof, the end wing section 15 may be retracted, and during its retracting movement the horizontal track surface 31 of the paired cantilever rails will first slide over the bottom face of the guide notch 3 and the lower tapered track surface 32 will then slide over the bottom face of the notch 3 so as to thereby lower the associated end wing section 15 until the end wing section is fully retracted, whereupon the reduced head portions 28 of the cantilever rails will drop into seated position within the paired guide notches 3'.

One pair of cantilever rails 25 are arranged in adjacent staggered relationship with respect to the other pair of cantilever rails as shown in Fig. 6, and are guided in their sliding movement within the guide notches 3 by a pair of twin channelled rail guide brackets 40 which extend downwardly from the center rail 4 of the apron frame 1 as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Each twin channelled rail guide bracket 40 may be constructed substantially as shown in Fig. from heavy metal plates to provide an outer channel-shaped member presenting a web portion 41, a pair of leg portions 42 and outwardly flared foot portions 42' which are fixed to the center rail 4 of the apron frame as by securing screws 43. A partition plate 44, provided with flared foot portions 44 welded to the inside face of the web portion 41, divides the rail guide bracket into a pair of twin channels 40, one of which receives the tail section 27 of a cantilever rail 25 fixed to one of the end wing sections and the other channel receiving the tail section 27 of the adjacent cantilever rail secured to the other end wing section 15.

When the end wing section 15 is in maximum extended position, the foot portion 34 of each of the paired cantilever rails will be housed within the channels of the rail guide brackets 40, and the upper heel surfaces 34' thereof will bear against the underface of the center rail 4 of the apron frame as shown in Fig. 3. When the end wing section 15 of the table top is moved into retracted position, the tail section 27 of each of the paired cantilever rails secured to the end wing section will telescope through the corresponding channels 40 of the rail guide brackets 40, and the upper tapered guide surface 33 thereof may guidably slide against the underface of the center rail 4 of the apron frame until the thickened midportion 34) of the cantilever rail extends into the corresponding receiving channel 40 of the paired rail guide brackets 40 as shown in Fig. 4.

The table top surfaces 15' of the end wing sections 15 are maintained in smooth and flush relation with respect to the table top surface 10' of the main table top section 10 by means of a series of spaced aligning plates which are secured to the underface of the inner edge frame member 18 of the end wing section 15 as by one or more screws 46 as shown in Figs. 3 and 6. Each of the aligned plates 45 is provided with an end extension 45' designed to provide support for the underface of the adjacent end frame member 13 of the main table top section 10 when the end wing section is in extended position. When the end wing section is retracted, the projecting end portions 45' of the aligning plates 45 will slide against the underface of the center rail 4 of the apron frame as shown in Fig. 4 and the projecting lip portion 18b' associated with the inner frame member 18 of the end wing section will overlie the upper face of the center rail 4 as shown in Fig. 4. The inner end of the fully retracted end wing section 15 is thus firmly supported by the center rail 4, while the outer end of the wing section rests on the top edge of the adjacent end apron member 3 of the apron frame, with the end wing section locked in position by the abutment shoulders 28 at the head ends of the cantilever rails so that the end wing section can not be inadvertently moved from its fully retracted position when the table is tilted.

A pair of cushioning strips 48 formed from soft felt or the like, are adhesively bonded to the underface of each of the side frame members 12 of the main table top section 10 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Each cushioning strip &8 extends from a point adjacent the end of the side frame member 12 to a point adjacent the center rail 4. A pair of spaced cushioning strips 48 are thus provided under each half section of the main table top section 10 and are designed to rest against the finished top surface of the retracted end wing section 15 as shown in Fig. 4. When the end wing section is drawn outwardly, the finished top face thereof slides against the underface of the paired cushioning strips 48 so that the finished surface is not marred during extension movement of the end wing section. Conversely, when the end wing section is retracted, the finished top surface thereof slides against the paired cushioning strips 48 to prevent marring thereof during the retracting movement, and when the end wing section is in full retracted position, the main table top section rests on the retracted end wing section with the protective cushioning strips 48 sandwiched therebetween.

Sliding manipulation of the end wing section 15 is facilitated by the provision of a pair of finger grip grooves 49 formed in the underface of the outer end frame member 18' thereof as shown in Fig. 8. Extension movement of each end wing section 15 is limited by a pair of metal stop pins 35 which project laterally from the center portions 30 of the paired cantilever rails 25 which support the end wing section. As shown more particularly in Figs. 3, 4 and 8, each stop pin 35 is positioned to abut against a metal stop bracket 36 having a vertical leg 37 fixedly secured to the inside face of the adjacent end apron member 3 as by one or more screws 37. Each stop pin 35 is designed to cam against the underface of a horizontal leg 38 of the stop bracket as shown in Fig. 3 and thus assist in maintaining the end wing section truly horizontal when in extended position.

When the end wing section is drawn out to maximum extended position and sufiicient to permit retraction of the lip portion 18b thereof from its overhanging position with respect to the adjacent shoulder groove 13a so that the main table top section 10 may be lifted, the stop pin 35 will abut the inside face of the vertical leg 37 of the stop bracket 36. When the lip portion 18b of the end wing section is pushed into snug interfitting relation with respect to the adjacent recessed shoulder 13a of the main table top section 10, the stop pin 35 will be in substantially sliding abutment against the underface of the horizontal leg 33 of the stop bracket 36 as shown in Fig. 3. Thus the paired stop pins 35 and associated stop brackets 36 serve the plural purpose of delimiting the extension movement of the end wing section, serve to maintain the end wing section in rigid horizontal position when in extended but interfitted relation to the main top panel section 10, and rigidly locks the end wing section in extended position so that it may be grasped and the entire table lifted off the floor without straining or warping the table top.

It will be additionally noted by referring to Figs. 4, 5 and 10 that each rail guide bracket 40 has a closed end slot 42 extending horizontally into each of the leg pormate and end wing sections are firmly heId against movement or vibration.

The retracted end wing sections 15 may be drawn out into extended position by engaging the fingertips in the finger grip slots 49 of the end wing section. By applying a lifting force to the outer end edge of the end wing section sufficient to raise the abutment shoulders 28' of the associated cantilever rails above the bottom face of the rail notches 3' which support and guide the cantilever rails, and then exerting a light outward pulling force applied to the end wing section, the lower tapered track face 32 of the cantilever rails will slide over the bottom faceof the rail guide notches 3' and the spaced aligning plates 45 secured to the inner end edge of the end wing section will thereupon move out of gripping engagement with the center rail 4.

The end wing section 15 is sturdily guided during its extension movement by the tail sections 27 of the cantilever rails which snugly slide in the channels 40' of the rail guide brackets 40. The end wing section remains truly parallel to the apron frame 1 during its outward movement since the lower tapered track face 32 which slides over the bottom face of the rail notch 4 lS SUbe stantially parallel to the inclined top guide faces 33 of the cantilever rails 25 which are in guided contact with the underface of the center rail 4 of the apron frame. When the raised heel surfaces 34' of the cantilever rails move into contact with the underface of the center rail 4 near the end of the extension movement of the end wing section, the end Wing section is given a verticallifting movement into the plane into which it is to reside when in fully extended position. The lower horizontal track surfaces 31 of the cantilever rails will then be in bearing contact with the bottom face of the rail guide notches 3'. The maximum extension movement of the end wing section 15 is determined when the stop pins 35 abut the vertical legs 37 of the stop brackets 36. The main table top section 10 is then no longer-supported by the extended end wing section, and will accordingly drop of its own weight to rest on the knee surfaces 26" of the cantilever rails 25. The extended end wing section is then given an incremental return movement so that the spaced aligning plates 45 secured thereto slide under the adjacent end edge of the main table top section 10 to provide support therefor, and the projecting lip portion 18b at the inner end edge of the end wing section will then be moved into interfitted relation with the adjacent recessed shoulder 13a at the end edge of the main table top section so as to form a tightly fitted, fine line-joint therebetween,-and

the top surfaces 15' and 10 of the end wing section 15 and the main table top section 10 will be in flush align ment. The extended end wing section 15 is rigidly braced against movement and vibration and is rigidly held in true parallel relation to the apron frame by the cantilever rails 25 whose upper heel surfaces 34 are then in contact with the underface of the center rail 4 and the stop pins 35 are in bearing contact against the underface of the horizontal legs 38 of the stop brackets 36. The main table top section 10 is then supported by the knee sur-- faces 26" of the cantilever rails 25 and are locked in coplanar position by the aligning plates 45 and overhanging lip portion 18b which form a part of the end wing section.

-To retract the end wing sections 15, the end wing sec= tions 15 are first drawn out to maximum extended position as permitted by the stop pins 35, and the main table top section 10 is then manually lifted by grasping the side edgesthereof. Lifting movement of the main table top section 10 is facilitated by the inverted saddle brackets 20 and associated shank screws 23 which smoothly guide table top section 10 has been lifted above the plane of the end wing section 15, body pressure may be exerted against the outer end edge of the end wing section so as to cause it to slide against the cushioning strips 48 affixed to the underside of the main table top section, whereupon the main table top section may be released and the end wing section pushed into fully retracted position beneath the main table top section, whereupon the reduced head portions 28 of the cantilever rails will drop into the rail guide notches 3 and the stop pins 35 will slide into the receiving slots 42 of the rail guide brackets 40 to lockthe retracted end wing section in fully retracted position.

Outward and inward sliding movements of the end wing section 15 is accomplished without marring the finished surface thereof, since the finished surface is permitted to contact the cushioning strips 48 only. The end wing sections may be extended and retracted with little effort. Guided by the substantially frictionless telescoping action of the tail sections 27 of the cantilever rails in the receiving channels of the rail guide brackets 40, the end wing section moves smoothly without binding or warping, and in true parallel relationto the apron frame, during extension and retraction movement thereof. The hardware employed in the construction of these refectory tables is simple in design and sturdy in construction, and possesses the ability to absorb all movement strains. As a result, a durable and long-lasting refectory table construction of superior quality is provided.

Refectory tables constructed in accordance with this invention are admirably adapted for use in small rooms and apartments. When the end wing sections 15 are contracted beneath the main table top section 10, the refectory table provides a highly attractive wall table on which a lamp or flower vase may be supported to add decorative value to the room. By extending the wing sections 15 to provide an expanded table top, this refectory table may be conveniently used for dining purposes, or as a game table for the entertainment of family and guests;

While certain novel features of this invention have been disclosed herein and are pointed out in the claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A refectory table including in combination, an apron frame, table legs connected to the apron frame, a main table top section overlying the apron frame and vertically adjustable in floating. relation thereto, an extensible end wingtable .top section shiftable to and from retracted position beneath the main table top section and to and from extended position and planular relation with respect to one end of the main table top section, means for guiding the floating movement or" themain table top section in parallel relation to the apron frame, and means for supporting said end wing section in retracted and extended positions and for guiding. the shifting movement thereof to and from retracted and extended positions, said wing supporting and guiding means including a pair of cantilever rails each presenting a head section secured to the underface of the wingsection and a tail section projecting beyond the rear end edge of the wing section, rail notches formed in the upper edge of the apron frame for supof said cantilever rails are designed to telescope, each of said cantilever rails presenting a reduced head end pot: tio'n designed to's'eat Within the rail notch when the and wing section is in retracted position and an abutment 11 shoulder adjacent thereto operative toabut the adjacent apron frame to thereby releasably retain the cantilever rail and the end wing section attached thereto in retracted position.

2. A refectory table including in combination, an apron frame, table legs connected to the apron frame, a main table top section overlying the apron frame and vertically adjustable in floating relation thereto, an extensible end wing table top section shiftable to and from retracted position beneath the main table top section and to and from extended position and planular relation with respect to one end of the main table top section, means for guiding the fioating movement of the main table top section in parallel relation to the apron frame, and means for supporting said end wing section in retracted and extended positions and for guiding the shifting movement thereof to and from retracted and extended positions, said wing supporting and guiding means including a pair of cantilever rails each presenting a head section secured to the undcrface of the wing section and a tail section A projecting beyond the rear end edge of the wing section, rail notches formed in the upper edge of the apron frame for supporting said cantilever rails and guiding the shifting movement thereof, a frame member fixed to said apron frame below the main table top section and extending substantially at right angles to said cantilever rails, and a pair of metal guide brackets fixed to said frame member and presenting a pair of guide channels in which the tail sections of said cantilever rails are designed to telescope, each of said cantilever rails presenting a reduced head end portion designed to seat within the rail notch when the end wing section is in retracted position, an abutment shoulder adjacent said head portion operative to abut the adjacent apron frame to thereby releasably retain the cantilever rail and the end'wing section attached thereto in retracted position, a lower horizontal track face intermediate the ends thereof and a lower tapered track face extending from the horizontal track face to a point adjacent the outer end of the head section thereof, said horizontal and tapered track faces being designed to slide on the bottom face of the rail notch.

3. A refectory table including in combination, an apron frame, table legs connected to the apron frame, a main table top section overlying the apron frame and vertically adjustable in floating relation thereto, an extensible end wing table top section shiftable to and from retracted position beneath the main table top section and to and from extended position and planular relation with respect to one end of the main table top section, means for guiding the floating movement of the main table top section in parallel relation to the apron frame, and means for supporting said end wing section in retracted and extended positions and for guiding the shifting movement thereof to and from retracted and extended positions, said wing supporting and guiding means including a pair of cantilever rails each presenting a head section secured to the underface of the wing section and a tail section projecting beyond the rear end edge of the wing section, rail notches formed in the upper edge of the apron frame for supporting said cantilever rails and guiding the shifting movement thereof, a frame member fixedto said apron frame below the main tabletop section and extending substantially at right angles to said cantilever rails, and a pair of metal guide brackets fixed to said frame memher and presenting a pair of guide channels in which the tail sections of said cantilever rails are designed to telescope, each of said cantilever rails presenting a -lower horizontal track face intermediate the ends thereof and a lower tapered track face extending along the head section thereof and designed to slide on the bottom face of the rail notch, the tail section of each of saidcantilever rails presenting upper vand lower tapered guide faces extending substantially parallel to the lower tapered track face of the head section, said tail section terminating in foot portion presenting a raised heel face designed to seat against the under face of said frame member when said end wing table top section is in extending position.

4. A refectory table including in combination, an apron frame, table legs connected to the apron frame, a main table top section overlying the apron frame and vertically adjustable in floating relation thereto, an extensible end wing table top section shiftable to and from retracted position beneath the main table top section and to and from extended position and planular relation with respect to one end of the main table top section, means for guiding the floating movement of the main table top section in parallel relation to the apron frame, and means for supporting said end wing section in retracted and extended positions and for guiding the shifting movement thereof to and from retracted and extended positions, said wing supporting and guiding means including a pair of cantilever rails each presenting a head section secured to the underface of the wing section and a tail section projecting beyond the rear end edge of the wing section, rail notches formed in the upper edge of the apron frame for supporting said cantilever rails and guiding the shifting movement thereof, a frame member fixed to said apron frame below the main table top section and extending substantially at right angles to said cantilever rails, a pair of metal guide brackets fixed to said frame member and presenting a pair of guide channels in which the tail sections of said cantilever rails are designed to telescope, each of said cantilever rails having a stop pin projecting laterally from the approximate mid-section thereof, a metal stop plate fixed to the apron frame and positioned in the path of movement of said stop pin for delimiting the extension movement of the end wing section, a lug portion extending laterally from said plate and presenting a surface against which the stop pin may cam to thereby rigidify the end wing section when in extended position, and a generally horizontally extending slot formed in the guide bracket designed to receive said stop pin and thereby rigidify the end wing section when in a retracted position.

5. A refectory table including in combination, an apron frame, table legs connected to the apron frame, a main table top section overlying the apron frame and vertically adjustable in floating relation thereto, an extensible end wing table top section shiftable to and from retracted position beneath the main table top section and to and from extended position and planular relation with respect to one end of the main table top section, means for guiding the floating movement of the main table top section in parallel relation to the apron frame, means for supporting said end wing section in retracted and extended positions and for guiding the shifting movement thereof to. and from retracted and extended positions, said wing supporting and guiding means including a pair of cantilever rails each presenting a head section secured to the underface of the wing section and a tail section projecting beyond the rear end edge of the wing section, rail notches formed in the upper edge of the apron frame for supporting said cantilever rails and guiding the shifting movement thereof, a frame member fixed to said apron frame below the main table top section and extending substantially at right angle to said cantilever rails, a pair of metal guide brackets fixed to said frame member and presenting a pair of guide channels in which the tail sections of said cantilever rails are designed to telescope, a series of spaced aligning plates secured to and projecting from the inner end edge of the end wing table top section adjacent the underface thereof providing support for the adjacent .end of the main table top section when the end wing section is in extended position, and a lip portion projecting from the inner end edge of the end wing table top section along the upper face thereof and designed to ,interfit into a conforming recess formed in the adjacent end edge of the main table top section when the end wing section is in extended position, said overhanging lip portion and projecting aligning plates being designed to tele- 13 scope over a side edge of said frame member to thereby provide support for the end wing section when in retracted position.

6. A refectory table including in combination, an apron frame, table legs connected to the apron frame, a main table top section overlying the apron frame and vertically adjustable in floating relation thereto, an extensible end wing table top section shiftable to and from retracted position beneath the main table top section and to and from extended position and planular relation with respect to one end ofthe main table top section, means for guiding the floating movement of the main table top section in parallel relation to the apron frame, means for supporting said end wing section in retracted and extended positions and for guiding the shifting movement thereof to and from retracted and extended positions, said wing supporting and guiding means including a pair of cantilever rails each presenting a head section secured to the underface of the end wing table top section and a tail section projecting beyond the rear end edge of the wing section, rail notches formed in the upper edge of the apron frame for supporting said cantilever rails and guiding the shifting movement thereof, a pair of guide brackets fixed to said apron frame and presenting a pair of guide channels in which the tail sections of said cantilever rails are designed to telescope, and a plurality of relatively soft cushioning strips secured to the underface of said floating main table top section and extending longitudinally thereof, said cushioning strips being designed to seat against the finished upper face of the end wing table top section when the same is in retracted position and thereupon support the main table top secu'on, said cushion strips additionally providing cushioning means against which the finished upper face of the end wing section may slide when moving to and from retracted position.

7. A refectory table including in combination, an apron frame, table legs connected to the apron frame, a main table top section overlying the apron frame and vertically adjustable in floatingrelation thereto, an extensible end wing table top section shiftable to and from retracted position beneath the main table top section and to and from extended position and planular relation with respect to one end of the main table top section, means for supporting said end wing section in retracted and extended positions and for guiding the shifting movement thereof to and from retracted and extended positions, and means for guiding the floating movement of the main table top section in parallel relation to the apron frame which includes, a frame member fixed to said apron frame below the main table top section and extending transversely of the apron frame, a plurality of spaced and generally U-shaped saddle brackets embracing said frame member and having the leg portions thereof secured to the underface of the main table top section, and a pair of spaced rod elements connected to the web portion of each of said saddle brackets and extending through conforming holes in said frame member and fixedly secured to the underface of the main table top section.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,114,513 Pohndorf Oct. 20, 1914 1,294,734 Wendi Feb. 18, 1919 1,351,457 Wohlmann Aug. 31, 1920 1,388,708 Hermans Aug. 23, 1921 1,736,533 Irwin et al. Nov. 19, 1929 1,775,824 Molinari et a1. Sept. 16, 1930 2,139,140 Viehmann Dec. 6, 1938 2,187,133 Luppert Jan. 16, 1940 FOREIGN PATENTS 520,905 Great Britain May 7, 1940 

